Hanover Twp. emergency unit receives validation

Hanover Township Emergency Services volunteers Eddie Fausto, left, and Bill Potas on the full search exercise for their validation at Mather Woods in Plainfield.Courtesy of Hanover Township

The Hanover Township Search and Rescue team following completion of their validation full search exercise.Courtesy of Hanover Township

Submitted by Hanover Township

The Hanover Township Emergency Services Unit has received validation by the Illinois Search and Rescue Council (ISARC) as a Ground Search and Rescue Team.

The validation process consisted of the unit successfully negotiating a navigation course as well as a full search exercise. The unit received a passing score in both portions and was validated as the ninth Ground Search and Rescue Team in Illinois.

The morning following the validation, the search and rescue team was requested by the Palatine Police Department through the ISARC to assist in a wilderness and urban search of a missing teen.

"The volunteers of the unit have been an asset to the township's first responders and this new training and certification will only better serve our residents and the needs of our community," said Brian P. McGuire, Hanover Township supervisor.

The unit is qualified to assist police and sheriff's departments in planning, managing resources and conducting searches of missing persons. In addition to manpower resources, the township now possesses a utility terrain vehicle that deploys on all search calls.

The Hanover Township Emergency Services Unit is trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies and nonemergency events to either assist primary emergency responders or operate independently in times of natural and man-made disasters. This dedicated group of professional volunteers exists to provide a properly equipped, trained and ready unit to assist Hanover Township residents and the public safety agencies that serve them.

For information on the Hanover Township Emergency Services Unit or search and rescue, call (630) 837-0301 or email